Karla
- Aug 1, 2022
- 3 min read

A Judy Garland-Inspired, Old Hollywood Wedding With A Modern Twist

Planning the perfect California wedding is what I do on the daily, and it’s a hustle I can’t get enough of. When the uber-talented Victoria from Paper Moon Shoppe contacted me dreaming of a Judy Garland-inspired, styled wedding shoot, I knew this project was right up my alley. Fast forward a

few weeks to post-production and I am proud to present you with this cute and quirky montage from California wedding photographer extraordinaire Lily Tapia. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be reposting and pinning for days!

The trick to styled shoot success is attention to detail. Creativity is the key, and creating the illusion of a full-scale (yet intimate!) event from the point of view of just a select few, carefully crafted images is no easy feat. Victoria is a die-hard Judy fan, so I kicked off the design process with research, research, and more research, watching almost every classic film and interview the iconic actress put her name to. This Los Angeles wedding planner’s first stop was Los Angeles historic wedding venue The Wilshire Ebell AKA The Ebell Los Angeles, where Judy herself was discovered way back in 1934. The iconic theatre and clubhouse’s rich history and jaw-dropping architecture scream Old Hollywood glam and had my creative juices flowing from the get-go.

The perfect shoot calls for the perfect pair of models. New Jersey-based Allison Maldonado (producer and actress of The Vintage Voyageur fame) and The Star Gayzer astrologer Seth Jubb flew in to love up our cameras. Our ceremony took place center stage (literally!) at The Ebell’s theatre, where Paper Moon Shopp crafted a backdrop of peachy clouds and sunset colors inspired by Judy's hit song “Get Happy”. Allison and Seth said “I do” into a vintage gold microphone while the dreamy vow books were designed and crafted by Gilded Swan Paperie. Allison looked ravishing in the first of two La Soie gowns, a high neck, empire line creation with cheeky cutouts and lots of romantic lace (donning crystal-studded stilettos from Bella Belle to boot!). And the icing on the cake? Her gorgeous Asscher cut diamond “engagement” ring with signature emerald detailing from Jewels by Grace.

Every sweet ceremony calls for celebration, and I chose to dress our historic wedding venue’s mock reception in an unforgettable color palette of soft peach, mustard gold, and creamy taupe, with velvety red and burgundy accents. The dream team at Love Her Madly took my concept and ran with it, dressing Bright Event’s gold fractured linens and muted tablescapes with whimsical arrangements of dyed sweet peas, tulips, shimmer roses, butterfly ranunculus, and lisianthus, while vintage candle holders and gold-rimmed glasses provided the Midas touch. I’m a big foodie, and while this banging bash might not have had a traditional guest list, I was determined to do things right. Wizard of Oz-inspired mini cakes and sugary macarons decked the dessert table courtesy of Fina Lee Floral Cakes and Love & Sugar Cakery, while the magic makers at Cali Craft Cocktails got the party started, serving signature drinks for that after 5 effect. Our favorite? A gin, lime, and cucumber concoction inspired by Judy’s hit song “Over the Rainbow”, with a dash of salt and pepper on the side!

All good things must come to an end, and we went out with a bang! “Newlyweds” Allison and Seth surprised the creative team with an after-party center stage. Our bride went full Judy in a Sharp Suiting tux and polka dot sling-back heels, while Seth looked dapper in his Friar Tux ensemble. This dynamic collaboration owes its success to the stellar team of professionals who gave their time, energy, and creativity to the project. A special shout out to Slick Brandon for trusting us with his 1955 Chevy Bel Air and to Lex Wedding Films for capturing it all on tape. The result? A starry-eyed celebration of love and laughter that this Los Angeles wedding planner is proud to have on the books!

Until next time!